If you’ve ever walked off a pickleball court thinking, “We should’ve won that game,” you’re not alone. Most players aren’t losing because of huge, dramatic errors. They’re losing because of small habits that slip into their game—little timing issues, positioning problems, or rushed decisions that quietly hand free points to opponents.
The good news? These mistakes are incredibly fixable once you can actually see them. And once you start correcting them, your game can jump levels almost overnight.
Let’s break down the most common point-sabotaging mistakes and how to fix each one quickly and confidently.
10 Pickleball Mistakes That Cost Points
The Hidden Errors That Cost Recreational and Competitive Players Points
A lot of people assume pickleball points are lost during the big moments—the hard hits, the long rallies, the flashy put-aways. But most points unravel long before that.
Poor positioning…
awkward footwork…
shots taken at the wrong moment…
hesitation between partners…
These are the quiet errors that shape every rally. Once you get honest about them, your shot quality improves automatically—and your wins start piling up.
Mistake #1: Standing Too Far Back From the Kitchen
A ton of players hover just a few feet behind the Non-Volley Zone without realizing how damaging it is. It feels safer, but it actually puts you in the worst position on the court.
Why It Costs Points
That tiny gap turns your next shot into a high, attackable ball. Opponents love this. They feast on it.
How to Fix It
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Move up the moment your third shot lands.
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Keep your paddle up and ready at your chest.
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Be brave about holding the line—retreat only when absolutely necessary.
The closer you are to the kitchen, the more control you have.
Mistake #2: Attacking From the Wrong Position
Everyone loves a good speed-up… but not from a bad position. If you’re reaching, off-balance, or late, you’re basically volunteering your opponent a free winner.
Why It Costs Points
Off-balance attacks create weak, floaty balls that come back twice as fast.
How to Fix It
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Attack only when the ball is comfortably above net height.
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Don’t force speed-ups from the transition zone.
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Reset until you’re in a dominant position again.
Winning players don’t attack more—they attack smarter.
Mistake #3: Poor Serve and Return Depth
Shallow serves and returns put you on defense instantly.
Why It Costs Points
Short balls invite opponents forward and shrink your reaction time.
How to Fix It
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Add height to your serves—deep with margin, not fast and flat.
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Aim your returns 3–4 feet inside the baseline.
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Focus on consistency over power.
Deep shots give you control before the rally even begins.
Mistake #4: Overhitting Instead of Resetting
It’s natural to panic when the pace picks up, but trying to “hit your way out” almost always backfires.
Why It Costs Points
Rushed, forceful swings lead to balls soaring out, diving into the net, or popping up perfectly for your opponents to crush.
How to Fix It
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Loosen your grip and soften your hands.
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Aim for a gentle arc into the kitchen.
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Remember: resets win rallies, not desperation swings.
Staying calm under pressure is a massive advantage.
Mistake #5: Not Getting to the Kitchen Fast Enough
If you hang around mid-court, even for a moment, you’re in trouble.
Why It Costs Points
The transition zone demands hard, awkward shots. It’s the worst place on the court to linger.
How to Fix It
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Move forward immediately after your third shot.
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Time your split step as your opponent hits.
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Don’t drift—close the distance with intention.
Winning happens at the kitchen line, not the halfway point.
Mistake #6: Avoiding the Dink Game
A lot of players try to skip dinks because they feel unsure or impatient. But the soft game is where points are built.
Why It Costs Points
Skipping dinks turns rallies into chaotic volley wars that favor the more experienced team.
How to Fix It
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Keep dinks low, slow, and inside the kitchen.
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Keep your wrist still and your paddle out front.
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Use dinks to set up high-percentage opportunities.
The soft game isn’t slow—it’s strategic.
Mistake #7: Predictable Shot Selection
If your opponents can guess your next shot, they can position early, take time away from you, and pounce on patterns.
Why It Costs Points
Predictability makes you easy to read.
How to Fix It
Mix up your choices:
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Crosscourt dinks
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Middle dinks
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Soft drops
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Defensive resets
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Opportunistic drives
Variety forces opponents to respect every option.
Mistake #8: Poor Paddle Grip and Tension
Most players grip their paddle like they’re trying to crack a walnut. Tension kills finesse.
Why It Costs Points
A tight grip sends balls too high or too deep and ruins touch shots.
How to Fix It
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Think of holding a bird: firm enough not to drop it, gentle enough not to crush it.
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Stay at 3–4 out of 10 grip pressure for soft play.
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Tighten only when driving or countering speed.
Relaxed hands equal controlled shots.
Mistake #9: Miscommunication in Doubles
Doubles should feel like a duet—but many partners behave like two strangers sharing a court.
Why It Costs Points
Hesitation, confusion, or two players lunging for the same ball gives opponents free points.
How to Fix It
Use simple, reliable communication:
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“Mine”
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“Yours”
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“Switch”
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“Middle!”
Plus: decide beforehand who takes balls down the center.
Mistake #10: Not Resetting the Ball Under Pressure
The reset is the quiet superpower of good players. When pressure rises, they soften instead of swinging harder.
Why It Costs Points
High, rushed balls turn into easy smashes for opponents.
How to Fix It
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Lift the ball gently into the kitchen with a soft, upward motion.
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Give your shot height so it drops harmlessly.
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Reset repeatedly until you regain your kitchen position.
A calm reset can flip a rally instantly.
FAQs
What’s the biggest pickleball mistake most players make?
Hovering in mid-court. It’s the fastest way to lose points without realizing why.
How can I cut down on unforced errors?
Loosen your grip, slow your tempo, and use resets when pressured.
Why do I lose points even when hitting hard?
Because power doesn’t win rallies—position and patience do.
What’s the quickest way to improve immediately?
Get to the kitchen faster and stop giving opponents attackable balls.
Products / Tools / Resources
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Selkirk & JOOLA paddles — known for consistent touch and control.
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Pickleball Tutor or Lobster machine — great for practicing dinks, resets, and drops.
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Onix Pure 2 or Franklin X-40 balls — reliable bounce for consistent practice.
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YouTube channels: PrimeTime Pickleball, Third Shot Sports, Tyson McGuffin — top-notch technique breakdowns.
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A Pickleball Court Marking Kit Use to transform any space into a pickleball court in literally minutes.
- 10 Essential Pickleball Footwork Techniques to Master Your Game